Baskets made from salix are popular with tourists from overseas. [Photo/Xinhua]

Opportunities

In most areas of Inner Mongolia, sand control now not only produces green land and a better environment for local people, but also brings more job opportunities and higher incomes.

In the past 40 years, about 560 hectares of Mongolian Scots pine have been planted in the XiaoHoro Operating Area on the northeastern edge of the Maowusu desert. In 2000, the local people developed a seedling industry based on the pine. By last year, more than 216 million saplings were grown in the area, generating income of 10,000 yuan for every family.

In recent years, Salix, a type of willow that is grown in the desert, has attracted growing investment. Providing it is pruned every four years, the plant, which is composed of rich, tough fibers, has the ability to survive for many decades.

Without pruning, it dies gradually.

People in Ejin Horo Banner have explored comprehensive use of the plant. The branches are the main area of interest. They are subjected to a range of procedures, including peeling, rolling and drying, and then compacted to produce tough construction materials.

The development of salix processing has gone through three stages, according to Li Yi, general manager of Inner Mongolia Tsinghua Salix Industry Engineer Technology, a company that focuses on processing the plant into high value-added commercial products.

In early years, salix branches were used to make craft items, such as small baskets. However, since the 1990s, the plant has mainly been used to make furniture, such as closets, beds, tables and bookcases.

"However, the profit margin is still very narrow; within 3 to 5 percent," Li Yi said. In 2007, the company developed a method of processing salix to produce high-density wood for use in construction. The wood is also waterproof, anti-corrosion and flame retardant, so instead of just being used to make furniture, it can be utilized as an structural material for buildings.

In October last year, construction began on the company's first production line for the new form of salix, and the first products went on the market in June. About 600 new jobs will be created in the coming months, and the new industry is expected to generate 25 million yuan ($3.7 million) a year.

During the conference in Ordos earlier this month, a large number of overseas visitors watched demonstrations of the "special wood" and discussed future cooperation with Li Yi.

"The new technology is now under intellectual property protection. We have a big dream, which is not going to stop at sand control, but will improve the lives of local people through the restoration of the ecological environment," he said.

Contact the writer at yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn